Currency in Greece
The complete Euro (EUR) travel guide
Greece has used the Euro (EUR, symbol €) since January 2002, when it joined the Eurozone replacing the Greek Drachma at 340.75 GRD per EUR. The Bank of Greece operates within the Eurosystem under ECB monetary policy. Euro banknotes (€5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500) and coins (1-50 cents, €1, €2) are identical to those used across the 20-country Eurozone — only the coin reverse design is Greek-specific. Greece is one of Europe's most-visited tourist destinations, attracting 30+ million international visitors annually for the Acropolis, Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes), and Mediterranean coastline.
Cash, cards, and ATMs in Greece
Greece is highly card-friendly in Athens, Thessaloniki, and major tourist destinations. Visa and Mastercard work nearly everywhere — chain hotels, restaurants, ferries, museums, and shops. Tap-to-pay is universal. ATMs at major Greek banks (Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank) accept foreign cards with per-transaction limits of €600-800 and modest fees (€2-5). Avoid Euronet ATMs at tourist areas — same DCC scam pattern as elsewhere in Southern Europe. Cash remains useful at small tavernas (family restaurants), island ferries (some still cash-only for foot passengers), and tipping. Note: card-acceptance was historically lower on remote Greek islands but has improved dramatically post-COVID.
Tipping culture in Greece
Tipping in Greece is appreciated but more modest than in the US. Restaurants: 5-10% is standard at sit-down restaurants — round up to a logical figure rather than calculating exact percentages. A "filodorima" (small gift/tip) is the cultural concept. Taxis: round up to nearest €1; Bolt and FREE NOW drivers can be tipped in-app. Hotels: €1-2 per bag for porters at international chains; €1-2 per night for housekeeping. Tour guides at the Acropolis or Delphi: €5-10 per person. Hairdressers: €1-3. Greek service charge is not typically added to bills (unlike France/Italy) — tips go to staff.
Best way to get Euro (EUR)
For non-Eurozone visitors converting to EUR for Greece: multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) deliver rates within 0.3% of mid-market. Greek bank ATMs (Alpha, Eurobank, Piraeus, NBG) offer reasonable rates for foreign-card withdrawals. Avoid Athens (ATH) airport currency exchange counters — spreads of 4-7% above mid-market are common. For Eurozone visitors (German, French, Italian, Spanish tourists), no conversion needed — same EUR notes work universally. For substantial transfers from non-Eurozone countries, Wise consistently beats traditional bank wires by 1-2% on total delivered amount.
Practical money tips for Greece
- •Greek island ferries: book Blue Star, Hellenic Seaways, or SeaJets tickets in advance via Ferryhopper for the best prices; some inter-island routes only run May-October
- •Always decline DCC at retail terminals — pay in EUR, not your home currency
- •Athens Metro and tram are excellent and cheap (€1.20 single, €4.10 day pass) — buy tickets at metro stations or via the OASA Telematics app
- •VAT (Greek VAT is 24%, reduced 13% for food, 6% for medicine) is included in displayed prices; tax-free shopping refund available for non-EU residents on purchases over €50 from participating stores
- •Greece plug types C and F (same as Germany/EU); voltage 230V/50Hz — Americans need adapter
- •Get a tourist SIM card on arrival (Cosmote, Vodafone GR, Wind) — 7-30 day plans available for €10-30
- •Tipping in Greece: small change rather than percentages — leave €1-2 at tavernas, round up taxis, no formal % expected
Common money scams to avoid in Greece
Common tourist money scams in Greece include: rigged taxi meters at Athens airport (use Beat, FREE NOW, or Uber app instead of street taxis at the arrivals queue); restaurant "menu switch" scams in Plaka and Monastiraki areas of Athens where tourists are shown different menus than locals; aggressive Mykonos and Santorini beach clubs charging hidden minimums of €200+ per sun lounger; "free tour" walking-tour operators demanding inflated tips at the end; counterfeit €50 notes given as change at unauthorized money changers; and DCC at retail terminals (always pay in EUR). Some island restaurants near major attractions inflate prices for foreigners — check the bill carefully and ask for an itemized receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Does Greece use its own currency?
No — Greece has used the Euro (EUR) since January 2002. The Greek Drachma was replaced at 340.75 GRD per EUR. During the 2010-2015 Greek debt crisis, there was discussion of Greece leaving the Eurozone ("Grexit") and reintroducing the Drachma — but Greece remained in the Eurozone, completing IMF/EU bailout programs in 2018. As of 2025-2026, there's no realistic discussion of Greek euro exit.
Can I use US dollars in Greece?
Some tourist businesses on Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens Plaka accept USD at terrible rates (10-15% loss). Always pay in EUR. Convert at a bank ATM or use a Wise/Revolut card. Greek businesses are accustomed to multi-currency tourist payments but always quote in EUR.
How much cash should I bring to Greece?
Plan on €40-100 per day in cash for small tavernas, island ferries, tips, taxis, and small purchases. With cards accepted at most chain hotels and restaurants, your daily cash needs are modest. Withdraw from major Greek bank ATMs (Alpha, Eurobank, NBG, Piraeus) — never use Euronet at tourist areas.
Is Greece expensive for tourists?
Variable. Athens and most of mainland Greece are cheap by Western European standards — budget $50-80/day, mid-range $100-180/day. Greek islands during summer high season (June-August) are significantly more expensive — Santorini and Mykonos can hit $300-500/day for moderate travel. Off-season (May, September, October) prices drop 30-50%. Greek tavernas in tourist areas remain affordable — €10-20 per person.
When is the best time to visit Greek islands?
May, late September, October are the sweet spots — pleasant weather (20-28°C), open infrastructure, lower prices, fewer crowds. June-August is peak season (32-38°C, crowded, expensive). November-April many island businesses close — visit Athens and Crete (which stays warm and open year-round) instead. Ferry schedules thin significantly outside May-October.
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Exchange rates refresh hourly from Frankfurter (European Central Bank reference data). Travel money information was compiled in 2026 and reflects current cash/card culture, tipping norms, and common scam patterns.